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It would take awhile to argue the point about the responsibility for the condition of the Third World,I suppose, and there were certainly abuses by the colonial powers. And I agree that unfavorable terms of trade should not be imposed. But the first thing to note is that it is better if there is a professional administration of "infrastructure", from government to the the phones, and it is necessary to generate the confidence to attract capital, without which there is no development. Even in a mercantilist system, it is likely that a country is better off, because the colonial power will commit to development, provide administration and training, and encourage the flow of capital. Eventually, the situation becomes onerous, as it did in the colonies, and there is always some restlessness on the part of local elites to be patronized by the colonial power. Thus, empire should eventually devolve. However, serious provision should be made for an orderly devolution, which was not the case in the post- War rush to divest. In some instances, as with the French in Indochina, it is perfectly understandable that they got sick of war, and washed their hands of it. Perhaps, over all, the process was inevitable. But it was too rapid, and, I think, a shame, with untold misery as a result...... |
